Champagne Series got off to a slow start, literally, on Saturday the 19th with a postponement and finally a start in light air…coming off the beach.  The day’s two races around the cans tested the seamanship and patience of all racers.

Day Two got started on time, with southwesterly wind at 7 knots, only to have fluky wind force an abandonment. After only a brief delay the first race went off.  The wind held for the second race, but brought fog in with it.

By the end of the second race it was pea

soup from the start line all the way to the windward mark, forcing the RC to prudently cancel racing for the day.

Five classes of boats competed for the Champagne Series Trophy and the Kleeve Trophy.  Top performances for the series came from Avet in PHRF B and Team Open Sailing in 5.70, each scoring three bullets and a second in their respective classes.  Well done!

Well, that’s January racing in the Santa Monica Bay!  A big “Thank you!” to all racing boats, after-racing hosts MVYC and PMYC, to CYC and SMWYC for supplying chase boats and to everyone who toiled on Race Committee.

Day One of the 2013 Champagne Series regatta got started with beautiful winter weather.  Too good, in a way, as winds were light and variable.  With prevailing wind from ENE, racers got an unusual course, racing toward  the beach on the initial weather legs.  As the afternoon progressed, the wind swung to S affording great views of Catalina.  The day ended with two races competed and a promise of more wind next weekend.

Cruiser-class racers will have their chance to join in next week, January 26, on the Random Leg course.  If your Cruiser-class boat isn’t registered already, sign up now!  Prizes for the day’s races, and the overall Champagne Perpetual Trophy and Kleeve Trophy, will be presented at the after party at PMYC; a raffle for some cool items will also be held.